Thinking of getting newer van.... probably General Motors.
#46
05-16-2016, 06:17 AM
If you're not paying for fuel but you are paying for the vehicle and repairs/upkeep, and you are concerned about down-time then to me the choice is pretty simple. 2013-14 Ford E-x50 with a 5.4L V8 gasoline engine.
Unless you tow heavy things, 5.4L is enough and between that engine and the 4R75 transmission you're going to have the lowest cost of maintenance and initial purchase price in a capable vehicle for years to come.
Caveat, if you're the type to grow tired of a vehicle and trade it in after a few years then that's another factor. Ford E-series aren't likely to hold resale value. Best plan if you buy one is to run the wheels off it because it's cheap to maintain and reliable. Resale is crap.
Unless you tow heavy things, 5.4L is enough and between that engine and the 4R75 transmission you're going to have the lowest cost of maintenance and initial purchase price in a capable vehicle for years to come.
Caveat, if you're the type to grow tired of a vehicle and trade it in after a few years then that's another factor. Ford E-series aren't likely to hold resale value. Best plan if you buy one is to run the wheels off it because it's cheap to maintain and reliable. Resale is crap.
4r75, is that a 4 speed automatic?
And I don't change vehicles due to preference, just due to running 45,000+ city/hwy miles per year which runs the wheels off them in 3, maybe 4 years maximum.
Thanks for your advice Del.
#47
05-16-2016, 09:23 AM
#48
05-16-2016, 02:56 PM
More Turbo
#49
05-16-2016, 03:07 PM
Remember that the used market dynamics are changing every day. The Transit was released about a year-and-a-half ago, and they're starting to hit the used market in large numbers. The E-series is now obsolete, and I would expect used values to start reflecting that in the next few years.
Of course the E-van can do things the Transit can't, such as tow trailers like the OP's. So it's always going to have that value to some prospective buyers, but lots like myself would opt for the newer design which decreases demand, and that lowers value. Of course if the Transit turns into a disaster this may not happen, but so far the Transit forums are relatively quiet compared to the Promaster forums.
Of course the E-van can do things the Transit can't, such as tow trailers like the OP's. So it's always going to have that value to some prospective buyers, but lots like myself would opt for the newer design which decreases demand, and that lowers value. Of course if the Transit turns into a disaster this may not happen, but so far the Transit forums are relatively quiet compared to the Promaster forums.
#50
05-16-2016, 03:35 PM
The resale value disappointment factor depends largely on where you start – some people are probably getting them new for 30 something thousand dollars… And then not real happy when they are worth half that in three years.
Whereas the rest of us buy them at the "half that" mark, use them for a few years and then lose the same percentage but less actual dollars on it.
I love vans, and I love good quality tools (like a new vans), but I cannot imagine signing on the dotted line on $35,000 for any depreciating asset. Much less the $600 payment.
Whereas the rest of us buy them at the "half that" mark, use them for a few years and then lose the same percentage but less actual dollars on it.
I love vans, and I love good quality tools (like a new vans), but I cannot imagine signing on the dotted line on $35,000 for any depreciating asset. Much less the $600 payment.
#52
04-28-2018, 09:39 PM
#53
04-28-2018, 09:45 PM
It’s a used beater I bought for $3000. It looks good from 10’ away.
I’ve driven it about 500 miles now. First tank averaged 25.5mpg hand calculated.
And since that 2nd fill up, I’ve been doing my very best hypermiling, and the factory lie-o-meter is indicating over 34mpg right now.
Now that I am the business owner instead of the employee; I greatly appreciate the increased fuel economy. I have three techs on the road every day (plus me) and I’m spending almost $500/week on petrol. This HHR fuel economy feels like a warm bath.
I’ve driven it about 500 miles now. First tank averaged 25.5mpg hand calculated.
And since that 2nd fill up, I’ve been doing my very best hypermiling, and the factory lie-o-meter is indicating over 34mpg right now.
Now that I am the business owner instead of the employee; I greatly appreciate the increased fuel economy. I have three techs on the road every day (plus me) and I’m spending almost $500/week on petrol. This HHR fuel economy feels like a warm bath.
#56
04-28-2018, 10:21 PM
#58
04-29-2018, 02:17 PM
I'll not be surprised if those little things have more room than an f150 with a topper. If I had a plumbing company or similar those (Ford Transit Connect, Dodge Minivan, etc.) will be my fleet vehicle.
#59
04-29-2018, 04:00 PM
Using less gas is a great idea especially as prices are rising. Looked up the spec and the HHR has 57 cubic feet of room, a TC has 100/130 for short/long, and a Ram Grand Caravan cargo van is at about 150 cubic feet.
So the HHR has about the same room as an Escape with the rear seat down. If you can get by with that cubic footage, a full size van definitely makes no sense if you're paying for gas out of pocket.
Good luck,
George
So the HHR has about the same room as an Escape with the rear seat down. If you can get by with that cubic footage, a full size van definitely makes no sense if you're paying for gas out of pocket.
Good luck,
George
#60
04-29-2018, 08:59 PM
Using less gas is a great idea especially as prices are rising. Looked up the spec and the HHR has 57 cubic feet of room, a TC has 100/130 for short/long, and a Ram Grand Caravan cargo van is at about 150 cubic feet.
So the HHR has about the same room as an Escape with the rear seat down. If you can get by with that cubic footage, a full size van definitely makes no sense if you're paying for gas out of pocket.
Good luck,
George
So the HHR has about the same room as an Escape with the rear seat down. If you can get by with that cubic footage, a full size van definitely makes no sense if you're paying for gas out of pocket.
Good luck,
George
You mention cargo volume for “TC” - are you talking about Transit Connect? That would’ve been my first choice but everything I found is twice the price.